Last month on the 16th I got into my first accident. I only had the car for 17 days when it happened. I was going straight and this car came from the opposite side was trying to turn into the plaza next to me. There were cars that blocked both of our views so we couldn't see each others. I t-boned his car as he was turning. I didn't get any major injures. He hit his head on the steering wheel and was bleeding non-stop. He was later taken to the hospital. Police report stated that I have the right of way, so he got a ticket after the accident. I went to the Dr. on the same day. I got myself an attorney. And I've been going to the chiropractor for the past month.

2 weeks ago the shop said my car is fixable, and the repair estimate was $10000. After they opened up the car, they found more things that need to be fix(they need a new frame and module in the front). So they raised it up to $16000.

And today I got the call that the car will be totaled. Well, I was expecting that, but still sad. Next up is getting the paperwork and settling the final value. Thank God I got the GAP insurance that will cover the rest. But, I'm still mad that I put down $3500 for down payment and I only got to drive it for 17 days. I need to talk to my attorney to see what are my options after I pay off that loan. I might sue him to make up for that down payment. I'm planning to buy the same car during the Fourth of July sale, because by then it will be cheaper.

 

First off, Glad your ok. I hope the other driver is ok as well. Did your airbag deploy? I see the other guy holding a rag over his head. Was he wearing his seat belt?

It appears you did not even have your plates yet! I would think the insurance company should take into account your downpayment, and compensate you for the full value of the car, and as you said, you had GAP insurance to cover anything they won't.

You will need to include your medical expenses (both current and projected ), but the main thing is that your ok. Your car looks pretty bad however.

You may want to consider the new HRV coming out this Spring. It sits higher than the Fit, which should give you a better field of view, something that would have helped you in your current accident.

I noticed in the background of your first picture, your accident happened right in front of a body shop. How convenient is that?

 

Hey, any crash you can walk away from you're doing pretty good.

Get your money sorted out and get your next Fit when you're ready.

Sounds like you've got a good plan. Stick to it.

 

You won't be out your $3500 down payment. You will be out the depreciation. How much you put down on a car as zero relevance on how much the insurance company pays you for a totaled car. They pay you on what it would cost to replace with the same type of car in equivalent condition and milage.

Since you put $3500 down, gap insurance probably won't be of use as gap insurance covers the difference if you owe more than the car is worth. I doubt your car depreciated $3500 (~18%) in 17 days, so you probably are not upside down on your loan.

Since your car was purchased so recently you need to try and get the insurance company to value your car as close to msrp as possible. If there are none available used in your area, point this out to them (you can't buy something that doesn't exist). If you can also show dealers in the area are charging above msrp due to low supply and high demand that will help as well.

 

Wow! Glad your ok.

I'm shocked that they are totaling it for that to be honest. It really doesn't look that bad. I'd be interested to know which (if any) airbags deployed. But chassis/frame damage is often hidden and expensive so...

Either way, I'm glad you're ok. But sad about your car. That just sucks.

Hopefully the other guys insurance makes it right.

 

I'm shocked as well that it got totaled. So glad you are ok! Great job on getting the gap insurance. Also, a person shouldn't have to buy an SUV or cross over to avoid idiot drivers. Everything will go smoothly with your next Fit!

 

So relieved to hear that you're safe! I really cannot understand why drivers who do not have the right of way try to force themselves onto traffic .. self entitled idiots.

A new fit will soon be yours!

 

I was also surprised that they totaled it, visible damage from your pictures doesn't look that horrible, although I realize that 2-dimensional pictures don't always tell the whole story. It's sometimes the hidden damage that can get you.

 

I'm also very glad that you're all OK. Cars are replaceable; theahhmoments are not.

You're probably better off in the long run having the car totaled than having it repaired by the insurance company. A car with major repairs (such as fixed frame damage) may not always work quite properly, and probably would have a noticeably lower resale value afterwards.